Lauderdale Lakes notes new water‑patrol boat; resident urges earlier weekend patrols

The Lauderdale Lakes Lake Management District reported progress on water‑patrol operations and fielded a public request for expanded hours.

In project reports the board recorded that a new water‑patrol boat ordered in January arrived at the boathouse at the end of April. Workshop work including installation of safety bumpers and a tower is complete; the vessel will proceed to Portage for installation of lights and other equipment and is expected to be fully delivered before the end of June.

During the open‑comment period a resident said they had observed fishing boats at about 7:45 a.m. and jet skis by 8:30 a.m. on Memorial Day weekend and asked that water patrol begin earlier on weekends and holidays. The board did not record a formal vote or direction changing patrol start times in the minutes.

The minutes also note that the district started a water‑patrol equipment reserve year with $91,000, budgeted $15,000 and recorded a $68,000 deposit on the new boat, leaving an ending balance of $37,000 as of May 31.

Board records indicate staff will complete final outfitting and that the district will need to determine staffing and budget implications if coverage times are adjusted.